women’s sports

Venus Williams Engaged to Actor Andrea Preti After One Year Together

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Venus Williams, the iconic tennis champion, has officially confirmed her engagement to Italian actor Andrea Preti after a year of dating. The exciting announcement came during a post-match interview with Australian tennis legend Rennae Stubbs on July 22, 2025, following Williams’ impressive victory over Peyton Stearns at the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington, D.C. This win marked her first singles match triumph since 2023, making the moment even more special. During the interview, Williams, 45, shared the positive impact that Preti, 37, has had on her life and career. With a smile, she introduced him to the audience, saying, “My fiancée is here,” which elicited applause from the crowd. She expressed her gratitude for his support, stating, “He really encouraged me to keep playing. There were so many times where I just wanted to coast and, kind of, chill.” This match was particularly significant for Williams, as it was her first singles appearance in over a year. Reflecting on the challenges of returning to professional tennis, Williams humorously remarked to Stubbs, “Do you know how hard it is to play tennis?” She elaborated, “You guys don’t know how much work goes into this, like, it’s nine to five except you’re running the whole time. Lifting weights and just, like, dying, and then you repeat it the next day.” Williams credited Preti for motivating her through the rigorous training and preparation required for her comeback. The couple’s journey together began in July 2024 when they were spotted enjoying a boating trip in Nerano, Italy, which sparked initial dating rumors. The engagement rumors intensified in February when Williams was seen wearing a diamond ring on her wedding finger while attending Milan Fashion Week with Preti. In addition to her engagement news, Williams has been candid about her career and legacy, especially in light of her sister Serena Williams’ retirement from professional tennis in 2022. Venus has mentioned that many fans mistakenly believe she has also retired, a sentiment she joked about in interviews. “As that moment gets closer, Serena ruined it for me,” she said, highlighting the public’s confusion regarding their careers. Venus emphasized their individuality, explaining, “Sometimes they even think we’re twins. We are two separate people, born on different days.” As for her future in tennis, Williams has made it clear that she is not planning an emotional farewell tour, as many assume she already had one. She intends to continue playing and competing, driven by her passion for the sport and the support of her fiancée. The engagement of Venus Williams to Andrea Preti marks a new chapter in the life of one of tennis’ greatest athletes, who continues to inspire fans not only with her achievements on the court but also with her personal journey. As they embark on this exciting adventure together, fans and followers eagerly await what the future holds for the couple. With a legacy that includes multiple Grand Slam titles and a commitment to advocating for women in sports, Venus Williams remains a powerful figure in both tennis and popular culture. As she balances her career and personal life, her fans can expect to see more of her on and off the court, championing not only her own dreams but also those of future generations.

Alex Cooper Alleges Sexual Harassment by Former College Soccer Coach

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Alex Cooper, the host of the popular podcast “Call Her Daddy,” has come forward with serious allegations of sexual harassment against her former college soccer coach, Nancy Feldman. In her new docuseries, “Call Her Alex,” which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 8 and will be available for streaming on Hulu starting June 10, Cooper shares her unsettling experiences during her time playing for Boston University’s women’s soccer team from 2013 to 2015. In the documentary, Cooper, now 30, describes how Feldman began to exhibit a concerning fixation on her during her sophomore year. She recalls feeling “deeply uncomfortable” as the coach made inappropriate comments about her personal life and body, often insisting on spending time alone with her. Cooper explained that the situation felt confusing and overwhelming, stating, “[It] was all based in her wanting to know who I was dating, her making comments about my body and her always wanting to be alone with me.” One particularly troubling incident involved Feldman insisting on driving Cooper to her night class alone, which left Cooper feeling trapped. “It was this psychotic game of, ‘You want to play? Tell me about your sex life,’” she recounted. Despite the discomfort and fear she experienced, Cooper felt unable to speak out at the time due to the pressure of being on a full-tuition scholarship. “If I didn’t follow this woman’s rules, I was gone,” she said. Following the allegations, Cooper confided in her parents, who sought legal advice. However, they were informed that pursuing a case against the university could result in a lengthy and arduous process. Cooper also mentioned that when she presented written documentation of her encounters with Feldman to Boston University officials, no action was taken. During a Q&A session after the premiere of her docuseries, Cooper expressed her frustration with the system, stating, “I want to tell women to come forward and say it, but I did, and I wasn’t believed, and then it took me a decade.” She emphasized the importance of sharing her story, despite the challenges she faced, noting, “I’m not ashamed that it took me 10 years… It’s really opened my eyes to how difficult the system is, and it’s so built against us as women.” Cooper graduated from Boston University in 2017 with a degree in film and television. Feldman, who coached the university’s women’s soccer team for 27 years, retired from the athletics department in 2022. In light of Cooper’s allegations, Us Weekly has reached out to both Boston University and Feldman for comments. As a prominent figure in the podcasting world, Cooper’s revelations have sparked conversations about the treatment of women in sports and the importance of believing survivors. Her story resonates with many who have faced similar challenges, and she hopes to encourage others to speak out against harassment and abuse. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, please reach out to the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) for support and resources.